Mayor Reed Targets Homelessness

ATLANTA -- Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed said Wednesday he wants the city to do more to end homelessness by developing transitional housing for families in need.

"We're going to pass legislation to provide for supportive housing near transportation," Reed said during a meeting of Atlanta-based Action Ministries, a nonprofit agency that works with the hungry and homeless.

Reed said homelessness is the only issue that former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin has asked to meet with him personally to talk about.

"She asked for continuity," Mayor Reed said of Franklin, who started the Gateway Center for the homeless during her administration.

Mayor Reed also made it clear that he wants the city to work with faith-based organizations, like Action Ministries.

"I will partner with the faith community in a way no other mayor has before me," he said. "You're welcomed and embraced."

He said any transitional housing program for the homeless needs to include career counseling, mental health counseling and parental support.

Mayor Reed cited Columbus, Ohio, as the model for supportive housing.

He said Atlanta will receive $4 million in federal stimulus funds to train the homeless to find jobs.